Columns

It’s no secret that the world is tough. When juggling its chaos, we often feel pressured to do more, and we quickly lose sight of what is most important. With a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH), we also battle symptoms…

Save the Date: Feb. 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. ET. Join @pulmonaryhypertensionnews on Instagram Live for a live Q&A about sex with chronic illness and PH. The event is called “Sex on PHire – Sex Talk with Britt Foster.” Join Britt Foster and host Ally Macgregor as we discuss…

Having a chronic illness can affect a person’s relationship with their body. It can feel like their body has let them down because it’s not working exactly how it should. Before I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I used to love…

I have read articles claiming that playing video games excessively can increase the risk of health problems. Instead, they encourage children to go outside and play, and adults to hit the gym. That sounds like solid advice for healthy individuals, but for those battling serious illnesses, video games can provide…

As I was watching the timeless movie “Pretty Woman,” I was struck by something Julia Robert’s character, Vivian, said: “People put you down enough you start to believe it. … The bad stuff is easier to believe.” She’s right. Hurtful words have left emotional scars in my mind. It has…

I love to keep busy. Ever since I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2017, I have been keen to fill my days and avoid the listless feeling that comes from having little planned. In last week’s column,…

A popular phrase people like to say when discussing the climate is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute and it’ll change.” Living with a serious illness often can feel this way, too. You might wake in the morning without issue, and by early afternoon experience an onslaught…

After several weeks in the hospital due to complications from COVID-19, I couldn’t wait to go home. On the day of my discharge, I thought the healing process from that and other complications from coexisting illnesses wouldn’t take too long. I gauged this from previous hospitalizations. But what…

Ever since I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2017, I have been determined to live as normal a life as possible. As soon as I was able, I returned to work. My doctors had told me that lots of people with PH…

My son Cullen was 8 when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). During his pediatric PH years, I had the pleasure of meeting other children just like him. Kids who liked to have fun, learn new things, and express themselves through talents they were just discovering. Young people who…

What is the main thing that patients and caregivers have in common? I believe the answer is stress. Therefore, one of the best gifts you can give them is something to help them relax. Gift cards are a way of doing that. During endless days of clinic appointments or hospital…

Online support groups for rare diseases like pulmonary hypertension (PH) are essential spaces that offer people comfort. Patient forums and social media groups also can be places of support. I am involved with the PH News Forums as a…